2025 YEAR IN REVIEW

2025 FIRESTORMS

We started out "ON FIRE!" literally, as 100 mph winds swept through SoCal and devastated Pacific Palisades and the Alta Dena neighborhoods.  Ryan went to Palisades Charter HS and several of Ryan's friends lost their homes to the fires. Stories upon stories of heartbreak, tragedy and many of relief and thankfulness as their homes were spared.  A couple, who were staying at Henry's motel, was featured in a WSJ article.  Because Henry's motel housed a large number of displaced fire victims, World Central Kitchen would deliver free meals 2 or 3 times a week. Henry even made an exception to allow small dogs and cats during the declared state of emergency.  Henry and Alice were glad to offer shelter to old friends who were forced to evacuate from their Brentwood home.  The couple and their dog Pablo were excellent guests.  Moose was an excellent host and shared his house graciously and harmoniously with Pablo.  Henry called his house the Ashland Kennels. 

NORTHERN LIGHTS ADVENTURE

In March, Henry and Alice and some church friends flew to YELLOWKNIFE, CANADA to experience the Northern Lights. They also got to experience -13F Deg weather.  In fact they had to rent extreme weather gear (boots, pants, jackets, gloves, facemask) weighing ~40 lbs.  On the first full night, we got to see the lights.  With the naked eye, it simply looks like a wisp of clouds, but with your cellphone camera, all the skies light up with color!  The phone camera is able to pick up light frequencies that that the naked eye can not see.  And like a vapor, it's there for a minute or two, then gone.  My timelapse photos shows the rays hitting the earth atmosphere, then quickly disappearing.  We even got to capture the Northern Lights from my airplane flight home.  Beautiful.  LINK HERE. Another bucket list item checked.  ✅

VETERAN HOUSE RENOVATION

On April 7th, our general contractor began demolition of Alice's mom's Veteran Ave house.  Click HERE to see the full renovation photo album.  When Byron our GC said that he could have the house done by Christmas, we were skeptical.  How could he demo the existing house to the studs, add another 950 sqft and add a 320 sqft ADU in the back in under 9 months. The house was almost complete by Thanksgiving.  But what amazing is that 99% house was done by Christmas.  Erin and Gus gave their landlord's the 30 days notice to move out by December 1st, temporarily moved into Henry & Alice's house, then moved into their new house by Dec.31st. The entire house was completed in less than 9 months.  And my GC's price was $200K less than the 2 other bids.  Good, fast and cheap (inexpensive.) Maybe Henry can now get his dream sports car.  LOL.  Henry proudly did all the low-voltage wiring:  CCTV camera wiring, Cat6 and coax all with a patch panel and switch.  He and Gus would run cables on the weekends.  

ERIN & GUS   

In May, Erin and Gus celebrated their 5 year wedding anniversary plus their 30th birthdays together - their 5-Thirty party.  It was a blistering hot day, but we had shelter under the olive trees and outdoor mist machines of the winery.  Erin and Gus finally said their wedding vows, in front of their closest friends, coworkers, and immediate family; and Adelyn and  Henry were finally able to present the parent speeches.  It was nice to have this celebration despite their pandemic courthouse wedding.  The entire Schillaci family were in attendance for this milestone celebration. 

And in October, we got the great news that our family of 5 will be a family of 6 with baby Schillaci on the way in May 2026!  Yes, Alice and Henry will finally be grandparents; not just fur-grandparents.

Other highlights for 2025

Henry attended his 45th Venice HS Reunion (Class of 1980.)  He is looking forward to the big 50th reunion. Henry & Alice attended 3 Dodgers games, one LAFC and one Rams game.  Henry loves his local sports, especially when they are winning (aka Fair Weather Fan.) 

 Henry loves the box seats at SoFi.  He also took a group to the Pepperdine Worship Summit, an amazing event hosted every year in Malibu. 

It's always a special night.  

In 2025, they attended only 2 concerts, and both at the Hollywood Bowl:  Diana Ross and Yoyo Ma.  Did you know that Yoyo Ma and Henry were separated at birth? See the resemblance?  In fact, he's been asked by strangers in more than one occasion if he "played the cello."

Due to the Veteran house construction, Henry & Alice didn't take many vacations, as he needed to be onsite daily to make construction and design decisions.  Fortunately, he was able to take 2 small trips:  Seattle and Carmel By The Sea.  In Bellevue, Henry visited cousins Becky and Albert and their mother, aunt Mei-Hwa.  Alice and Henry were also able to visit good friends Faye & Dan in Bellevue, and Renita & Ed in Kent, WA.  One of their highlights was to meet their twin nieces born during the pandemic. The twin loved Alice because they could speak Cantonese with her.  The girls Cantonese was much better than Alice's.

Henry and Alice have 2, maybe 3 trips lined up for 2026 already:  One trip before the baby and another one or two in the last 2 quarters of 2026.  Henry is trying to finish off one last renovation at the motel and try to pass off most of his insurance clients to trusted account executives and managers.  Though the motel was down 15 to 20% due to the struggling economy, his insurance agency experienced record profits.  Henry and Alice thank the Lord for His blessings.  Henry served as Chairperson for 2025 and will serve again for 2026.  His plate is always full.  Whereas Alice is constant caregiver, the household CFO and manager, keeping the mothership straight and steady as Henry weathers the legal, client and staff storms and challenges.

DODGERS 2-TIME WORLD CHAMPIONS & ULTIMATE LEGO DEATH STAR

Henry went crazy when the Dodgers won game7 of the world series to become back-to-back world champions.  He wore his Ohtani jersey all throughout key playoff games.

Henry completed the Lego Ultimate Collectors Series Death Star set with aftermarket LED light kit

.  Please click the link and see the lights. It's really cool.  He order a custom acrylic case (arriving in January.)  It's his coolest LEGO set to date.  Now he plans to add LED lights on his favorite prized sets:  Millennium Falcon, AT-AT, Eiffel Tower and more.

RYAN TING

Ryan has been working at the VICEROY, a 4-star hotel on Ocean Ave in Santa Monica. He started as front desk clerk (union-job), then got promoted to the sales team where he assisted them in putting together proposals and hosting the small group events. Then he got promoted to small group sales. And in December, the hotel's revenue team took him out to celebrate his work achievements.  Basically, he got recognized as the MVP.  In today's slow economy, Ryan's small group bookings helped keep his hotel profitable.  And word is that he will be getting another promotion soon, as one of the long-time sales managers is quitting to become a full-time mom.  Opportunities upon opportunities for Ryan.  Alice and Henry credit his success to their prayers to God for him and Erin/Gus.

Thanks for visiting my annual review.  

"For as the lightning comes from the east and flashes to the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man." Matt.24:27

2024 Year in Review

Thanks for visiting my 2024 Year in Review. Even if no one visits this site, it's still worthwhile for me to look back at the year and give thanks and be grateful for all of our Lord's blessings.  Thanksgiving with a heart of gratitude.  Hey, after my 2008 accident, you can never take a single day for granted.

Here are the highlights for the year.  I will fill in the rest later, but these are my bullet points and photo highlights here:  https://photos.app.goo.gl/Lux61thnGL5UVFsZ7

Ryan turned 26 y.o. and got promoted from Front Desk at the Viceroy Hotel to Area Sales and Catering Coordinator.  No more picketing and chanting "Si Se Puede!", which is "yes, we can" en espanol.  Now he assists the group sales for 2 hotels, The Viceroy and Le Meridian/Delfina (now Hyatt Centric hotel.)

Family Trip to Japan. March

TTMF Trip to Taiwan: April

Motel Renovations:  New roof, new decking, repair and repave the parking lot.

U2 concert at The Sphere Las Vegas.

Hollywood Bowl - Eric Clapton

Choice Hotels Annual Conventions - Sting

3 Dodgers Games including Shohei Ohtani Bobblehead Night - Henry on TV!

Pepperdine Worship Summit 2024 - Chris Tomlin

Henry Officiated Yee & Maggie's wedding - 

Greece Sept- 10 day trip with 5 couples from GCLA

The Eagles concert at The Sphere Las Vegas

Dodgers - World Series Champions

Ashland Kennels - Dogsitting 3 dogs!

Lego-mania coming to an end.

GT-R carsitting

All healthy this year.

2023 Year in Review

Even if no one reads my annual Year-in-Review blogspot, I enjoy writing, and short-journaling at all the milestones events of Henry and Alice's family life.  God is good.

Palm Springs Dec.2022

Summer 2023 - Tim & Teewa's wedding

GENERATIONS CHURCH LA

On January 1, 2023, GCLA moved into ACS (Arcadia Christian School) after 6 years at the old place on Broadway in Temple City.  The auditorium HAS AIR CONDITIONING!  PTL.  First Lutheran's sanctuary got up to 104 deg during a summer heat wave. It was especially difficult the elderly and babies.  It was then that we knew we had to move. But where?  Then it was God's perfect timing, as the church that previously occupied ACS had to move out, and we were desparately looking for a new place.  Now, it's a wonderful new home, with plenty of space, storage, and easy-going landlords.  Come visit us at 11:15am on Sundays at generationschurchla.org.  Pastor Mike is a gift Lead Pastor and preacher.

RYAN turned 25.  It was a big milestone.  Medical experts say that for males, men's brains do not fully develop till age 25. It was true of Ryan (and Henry.) We are amazed by how mature, helpful and loving Ryan has become.  He and Dana celebrated their 2 year anniversary together as boyfriend/girlfriend.  He feels that he still has a lot of growing up and is very career-minded at this time.

Ryan turned 25 in January (soon to be 26)

SPAIN & PORTUGAL (Jan 26 to Feb 7)  <== please click to see our Iberian peninsula trip pics.

For Ryan's combined birthday and graduation gift, we booked a Globus tour through Spain & Portugal.  Of course, Alice and Henry came along.  It was great deal: Off-season, round-trip for around $1,800pp.  We loved the seafood in Spain and Portugal.  The BEST SEAFOOD EVER was a Ramiro's Cerverercia in Libson, Portugal.  Just watch Anthony Bourdain, or Feeding Phil (Netflix) and see how they rave about this place.  It's a must try when in Lisbon. In fact, I'd fly to Lisbon, Barcelona, Seville and Madrid all over again just for the fantastic food and value.  The 4 of can eat like the celebrities and only spend less than $50 per person due to the strong USD to Euro.

RYAN at THE VICEROY SANTA MONICA

Upon returning from our tour of the Iberian peninsula (Spain/Portugal), Ryan began looking for a full-time.  Within a month he landed the perfect position at the perfect hotel: The Viceroy, a 4-star hotel located on Ocean Ave in Santa Monica, less than 5 min from home.  It's a great way to get his foot into the hospitality industry.  Unfortunately, it was a union job with Local 11.  Well, we'll just stop at this point.  But I'm glad that Ryan got to experience the differences between a privately-own, non-union, franchise motel operates differently from a unionized, high-end, luxury boutique hotel.  We are all proud of his work ethic, his people skills, and the humility and understanding to "work one's way up from the bottom" and get recognized by his peers and management.  Social media reviews often compliment the great service and helpfulness of "the asian guy at the front desk."  LOL, he's the only asian at the front desk.

VEGAS ANNIVERSARY TRIP - STING in Concert

With our friends, Steve and Marianne, the four of us celebrated our wedding anniversaries (1 day apart) by going to Vegas and seeing STING.  It was fabulous!  He was fabulous.  Alice and I really enjoy seeing and hearing these great artists during their Vegas residencies.

 

CHOICE HOTELS CONVENTIONS April 2023

After the anniversary trip to Vegas, Henry had to fly back to Vegas for the annual Choice Hotels Annual Convention.  As Henry's second career, he is trying to learn as much as he can.

EUROPEAN RIVER CRUISE (May 27 to June 8) <== please click to see our river cruise pics.

The AMA Waterways river cruise aboard the Amabella ship was the highlight of the year for Henry & Alice.  They traveled with their good friends, Steve and Marianne.  Together, the celebrating their 31st and 35th anniversaries, respectively.  Prague (3 night), followed by a bus ride to Regensburg, Germany where their tour group embarked on a 7-night cruise along the Danube river, through Germany, Austria, Slovakia and to finally to Budapest, Hungary.  They would highly recommend this river cruise.  But be careful to not book river cruises during a drought (insufficient river water levels.)  Henry's coworker warned that he and all the cruise-goers on their Viking Rhein River cruise had switch ships several times and even travel by bus in long stretches because the river's water levels were too low.  How horrible.  I'm glad we had no issues.  It was perfect.

MOTEL FACADE RENOVATION COMPLETION

Finally after more than 15 months, delays due to unforeseen, extended demolition, construction change orders, and City inspections, Henry's motel finally passed its final inspection.  Though there cost overruns and fights the general contractor, all the subcontractors did great work and all were very happy with the end product.  The motel reviews are starting to increase now that Phase 1 construction is done.  Phase 2 began in November 2023:  New roof, all new paint job, rain gutters, decking, and parking lot resurfacing and re-striping.  Henry can finally see the light at the end of tunnel:  He means retirement-tunnel, LOL.  He's been trying to balance his insurance worklife at New Century Insurance Services with the motel's renovation projects.  Fortunately there are many very competent New Century coworkers to share and help service his clients and steady stream of prospect referrals.

MAHJONG

Our family has been playing a lot of mahjong together - Hong Kong style.  Erin, Gus, Ryan and Henry are all learning Canto, like "Fat Choy", "Dong Fong" etc.  And our favorite term to call out, "TZEE-MOK!" and "WU!"  Henry still can't figure out the East, West, North, South tiles.  OMG.

LEGO Hobby

Henry and Alice have run out of interest in any current and upcoming LEGO kits to build.  They only want to build rare and challenging kits.  Together, an 1800 piece set can be finished in a weekend.  Thanks to Alice's sorting skills and Henry's strong, calloused fingers, from his years of assembling LEGO pieces together.  In 2023, they added the following new favorites to their collection: The Eiffel Tower, Pacman, Nintendo SuperMario Bros, and The Grand Piano.  Click on the link above to see some of the kits "in action."

Hollywood Bowl

Our annual tradition.  Henry & Alice love to bowl in style. This year, box seats and "Tchaikovsky with Fireworks" with the LA Philharmonic.

GRANDCHILDREN.  Nope, just dog-sitting Zoro (left), our Grand-pup.  Moose "tolerates" Zoro and they get along well, until Zoro gets his "zoomies" after breakfast and after dinner.  They are starting to really get along now. 

NAPA, GETAWAY RETREAT

In October, Henry and Alice  flew to Sacramento, rented a Tesla via TURO.com, experienced "range anxiety" with the Tesla, but had a wonderful 3-night break in Napa, CA.  With Henry working two full-time jobs, he felt the need to getaway and take a much needed, but short vacation.  Lucky for Alice.

MOTEL RENOVATION - PHASE 2

After the facade renovation, Henry began Phase 2: Roofing, painting, facia repair, decking, and parking lot repair.  We are extremely grateful to Taylor Swift for helping the greater LA County economy.  I'm a Taylor Swift fan now.  We had record-breaking, figuratively-speaking, week of revenues, thanks to all the Swifties taking over Socal during the 6-concert event.

THANKSGIVING/FRIENDSGIVING

Henry and Alice deep-fried 3 turkeys this year: One for the church potluck, one for the Friendsgiving thursday dinner, and one for the "gi-normous" Liao/Yeh family thanksgiving reunion luncheon.  Alice and Henry hosted over 50 family members and guests.

2022 Year in Review

WORLD & USA.  Alice, Henry & Ryan remain home during Pandemic Year 2.8, Russia invades Ukraine, Threats of China invading Taiwan. Rams win the Superbowl. LAFC wins MLS title.

WORK & WORK:  Henry is still trying to balance 2 full-time jobs: His insurance practice at New Century Insurance Services and the Comfort Inn Santa Monica.  In February, a small fire caused by chain-smoking guests on the 2nd floor balcony. The fire occurred just weeks before the long-planned motel façade renovation.  In addition to the fire and renovation, there were major staffing changes and challenges.  

GENERATIONS CHURCH.  Generations Church LA (GCLA) had its summer retreat in Yucaipa. It was great time of fellowship and renewal after the pandemic lockdown.  It also started a relocation search:  After 6 year at the current location without much change in the ability to improve its tenancy (improvements and betterments), it finally found a new home.  Praise God for His perfect timing. GCLA will move to its new home at Arcadia Christian School starting January 1, 2023.  Henry steps down from church leadership (Chairperson 2016-2022)  The church, led by Pastor Mike Kim, is in good hands, and is moving in an exciting new direction.

FAMILY:  Henry & Alice celebrated their 30th Anniversary.  They spent time eating at new restaurants, enjoyed several concerts (opening night Hollywood Bowl, Ricky Martin and Chris Tomlin.)  Ryan finishes strong from CSU Long Beach and ready to get a full-time job, hopefully here in Socal.

Click LINK here to see 2022 year in review photos.  

This year, Zoro, Erin & Gus' big puppy, came into our lives. At first, Moose was irritated by the rambunctious puppy, but has learned to tolerate him.  Erin & Gus move to rental house in WLA, about 5-10 min from Henry & Alice. They come over all the time (often w Zoro.)  No, no kids yet (don't ask.)  Ryan and Dana celebrated their 1-yr anniversary as a couple.  Dana comes over often too.  It's great to have family over all the time.  In March/April, the Schillaci''s were in town and we had a nice get-together with Gus' lovely parents and grandparents. Erin's career as an OT (occupational therapist) is steady and very flexible.  Gus' started his 2nd year in PWC's special M&A division and is doing well.  Erin and Gus taught Henry and Ryan how to play pickle-ball (the newest sports craze.)

TRIPS & HIGHLIGHTS:  Every year, Henry & Alice try to plan a family trip together.  In March, the family went to Yosemite. It was their first time in the (late) winter and it snowed! It was beautiful, yet not too cold.  In May, Henry & Alice went to Las Vegas for the annual Choice Hotels convention. During the trip, they celebrated Henry's big bday with John Legend.  In 2022, Alice stayed in Norcal to visit Auntie Poon.  Alice is a wonderful caregiver.  While she was up north, Erin & Ryan worried about Henry, but it appears that he survived those 4-7 day without Alice.  

Henry & Alice continue their LEGO obsession and madness:  The Millennium Falcon, the Titanic,  BMW racing motorcycle, a Ferrari, and The Mandalorian Razor Crest.  Henry recently purchased 2 more LEGO kits:  R2-D2 and Eiffel Tower (almost 5' tall!)  Click here to see their collection of LEGOs.

Overall, the family is healthy (no covid) and they count their blessings daily, not taking anything for granted.  Praise God, Praise the Lord, for He is good.

2021 and 2020 Year in Review

I skipped my 2020 Year In Review. Here's recap of major events of 2020.  Posting on this blog helps me to remember the key events of each year, and reminds me to count my blessings and be content.  

"I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength." Phil.4:11-13

2020

KITTY LAU went to be with the Lord.  When her cancer came back in late 2019, she fought bravely and courageously.  She stayed with Henry and Alice so that they can care for her, and be close to her.  Then in February 2020, as a critical care nurse, she knew that she needed to be hospitalized.  The day before she passed, she bravely said her goodbyes to all her fellow doctors and nurses at Providence St. John's in Santa Monica.  Close church friends and family friends came by to say their farewells.  She was ready to meet to Jesus, and the Lord took her quickly and painlessly.  She passed from this life to the next on Valentine's Day 2020.

ERIN GRADUATED, SJSU O.T. (Masters.)  In May, Erin officially graduated from the OT (occupational therapy) program with San Jose State. It was an online graduation ceremony.  We are so proud of her.  She passed her State Board exams and starting working.  She does in-home patient visits, working with the elderly.

SANTA MONICA BLM RIOTS.  During the May 31st Santa Monica riot, a looter and 2 accomplices (lookout & driver) broke into our motel's housekeeping break-room.  Fortunately, there was nothing worth taking (do you want a mattress or pillows?)  It was a $1,500 glass door repair bill. The amazing story is that one of our guests was a handyman who helped us board up the door.  He was truly a god-send.  In those troubled days, there was both the ugliness and kindness of humanity.  Well, it's only a nuisance fix.  At least no one was hurt nor injured.

ERIN TING MARRIES GUS SCHILLACI. Erin and Gus planned to get married in June 2020 and have a small banquet and celebration with close family and friends. But the County continued to forbid gatherings.  The pandemic seemed to be here to stay for a while.  .  Instead, they got married at the OC Courthouse and came back to our Santa Monica house for private dinner, organized by cousin Phillip Lin.  More about the banquet and food later.  Let's not take away from Erin and Gus' wedding day.  It was a sweet and intimate celebration with the Schillaci and Ting-Lau family, + groomsman & bridesmaid.

WEDDING BANQUET.  This section deserves its own section.  Well, the bad news is that we were still in a pandemic. The good news is that my cousin Phillip was able to have chef Jonathan Kim and assistant chef, Justin Valdez prepare and cook for us a Michelin-Star worthy dinner.  May I say that it was one of the best meals that I've EVER HAD (period!)  Please enjoy the drool-worthy pictures of the private wedding banquet and food.  Pictures of the banquet food (click here.)

RYAN ATTENDS CSULB.  Ryan transferred to CalState Long Beach's hospitality program.  He had to commute to some classes, as some were food prep labs that required in-person learning. He hopes to graduate in Summer/Fall 2022.  During the summer and Sundays during the school year, he works the front desk of the Comfort Inn.

KEE-LAN KAO LAU TURNS 99.  I am glad that Ma was able to see her granddaughter get married.  We were able to have a Zoom birthday party for her and her family from Norcal, San Diego, and Midtown Los Angeles.  Caregiving for mom was not easy (this is a major understatement.)  She fell several times when Alice was not around, so we decided to find another caregiver.  Then we found Yulan from China, a referral from Mrs. Kong ("Kong-mama".)  She was perfect for mom.  Together with Marife, we were able to provide 24/7 help.  They both took loving care of mom.  Praise God.  Due to the pandemic, Alice (85%), Henry (10%), Ryan (5%) would drive Marife to and from mom's house to Van Nuys 5 days/week, because we did not want Marife to take the public bus. 

PANDEMIC HOBBIES.  We purchased a badminton set, ping pong table-top topper (over dining room table) and a billiard/pool table for the covered patio/lanai. We played board games and Henry & Alice started building LEGO sets - Henry's new obsession.

KEE-LAN KAO LAU went to be with the Lord, October 8, 2020.  At age 99, she died of natural causes.  Mom was also a woman of faith:  Many would hear say or hear her praying to God to "take me quickly" in English or Chinese.  God was merciful and Mom went peacefully to the Lord. Alice & Henry were with her when she passed.  She was finally at rest and in God's perfect peace.

THREE FUNERALS IN 13 MONTHS.  It has been a difficult few years for Alice and Henry. They had to bear the loss of Henry's father, Elder Charles Ting who passed in Sept 2019, Alice's sister Kitty in Feb 2020, and then Alice's mom in Oct.2020.  At first, I questioned why God would take Kitty first, and not Mom. But over time, they saw God's perfect plan.  Still, it was very difficult losing Kitty.  Henry & Alice prayed God could've given her more time to be with us. Yet, a few extra years, even a decade or two more, is nothing compared to goal of living in eternity in heaven with God and Christ. 

"For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain." Phil.1:21(NIV)

2021

SAFE DURING THE PANDEMIC.  Henry has kept employees, staff and customers safe from Covid at the Comfort Inn Santa Monica, implementing the latest and most effective safety procedures and protocols. He used all available resources from his commercial insurance practice.  He tries to balance both full-time jobs, taking care of his insurance clients, while working from the motel office. Yet, he loves not needing to commute to Alhambra as often anymore (2-3x per month.) This may change as the partners want employees to return to the office after the major office renovation at New Century's Alhambra office is completed.

CHICAGO, Zionsville, IN, Louisville, KY

Attending Henry's niece's wedding in Louisville, KY was a great excuse to visit Chicago, Zionsville and Carmel, IN and to meet Gus' family.  Henry & Alice looked forward to all the food and attractions that the midwest had to offer.  In Chicago, they ate all the "must-try" Chicago fare (hot dogs, deep dish pizza, beef sandwich) as well as amazing Italian & steak restaurants.  They visited two jazz clubs, visited museums and walked the parks. In Zionsville, IN, they met their in-laws, Jim and Adelyn and saw their beautiful house and town, where Gus grew up.  They met and loved Gus' grandparents, Dixe and Ken and had a great time together.  After one night in Carmel, they were off to Louisville.  Josephine (niece) and Adam Gilbert had a beautiful outdoor wedding and banquet. Henry got to meet his "grandnephews." Wow, Henry sounds old now.  It was nice catching up with cousins Hong, his wife Helen, niece Jessica, her husband Nate and their boys. So cute.

5 days into their trip and they had yet see to any cicadas.  Then on the last day, they saw, heard and touched cicadas; a small swarm of cicadas.  Now their trip was complete.  Hey, these type of cicadas, Brood X, only come out once every 17 years!  It was cool.  I hear there are good recipes for cicadas (haha.)

LEGO

In 2021 Alice and Henry continued to collect and build complex LEGO sets. It is Henry's way to unwind and relax in the evenings.  Alice does all the sorting and preparation of pieces; Henry assembles.  You should see the calluses on his hands now.  So burly!  Alice enjoys finding and sorting; Henry enjoys building.  What a great team!  Their favorites this year was the Liebherr 9000 excavator with 6 motors and the Star Wars AT-AT.

MAUI

Like every other family, our family went to Hawaii (it seems like every one is/was flying there during the pandemic!) It's funny, one of the mayors (Maui?) asked people to stay away as they couldn't handle any more tourists. LOL.  We had a great time.

MISC HIGHLIGHTS

New for 2021 includes getting to know and appreciate Ryan's girlfriend Dana, going to Dodgers games, enjoy fine tailgating wining & dining at the Hollywood Bowl, going to the bay area for Erica (Tien) & Riley's wedding, as well as Henry & Alice long awaited trip to Disneyland and riding the amazing Star Wars Rise of the Resistance.  We hooked up with Marjorie who works in Frontierland!  We had a quick trip down to San Diego and enjoyed the short but immersive VanGogh exhibit in Hollywood.

FORWARD TO 2022

Henry was glad that the motel façade renovation at the motel was finally approved by the City.  He is currently getting bids from a very short list of general contractors.  Groundbreaking should begin the end of February 2022, immediately after the Super Bowl and Genesis Open at the Riviera Country Club. Henry's father, Elder Charles Ting, started the renovation design 4-5 years ago.  Now Henry gets to see the project come to fruition.

 

Thank you to anyone who actually perused and visited my blogspot.  ✋ High Five!